Staff Spotlight – Elliot

Growing up in Spokane, Elliot spent many days as a kid in the pool at the Spokane Valley YMCA as a member of the swim team. Years later he aims to provide the same level of care and positivity that he received as a child at the Y.

Elliot describes his time on the Y swim team as a wonderful and impactful experience, “The coaches and adults in that program were such a positive influence on me, working here is a way for me to pass that on to others,” Elliot said.

Teaching swim lessons and being a lifeguard enables Elliot to help others complete goals and grow, “everyone is trying to get their needs met and succeed. I want to do it while being compassionate, caring and genuine. I want to make their day just a little bit better.”

The environment at the Y is something Elliot says has a big influence on spending so much time here, “the YMCA has great values, I want to be here to be a part of the positive energy and all the good things we do.”

He has called the Valley Y home as a staff member for almost six years, starting as a lifeguard when he was just 16. Now attending school at Spokane Community College and advancing in his other job, Elliot still finds time to help teach swim lessons.

“Life is getting more complicated as I get older, lots of different responsibilities…but being here has always been a constant. I want to be a team player and help any way I can.”

Elliot is studying electrical maintenance at SCC and is thinking of pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering to further his education. From day one Elliot says his boss has been supportive of his dreams and aspirations, working with him to make sure his schedule and workload fit his situation. “I feel supported here no matter what, it’s been so helpful moving forward with all of life’s changes,” Elliot said.

When he is not busy with work and school, Elliot loves skiing, volunteering with his church and spending time with his friends and family.